Arwind Santos fined P200k, required to do counseling for racial taunt

MANILA, Philippines—Arwind Santos has been slapped a P200,000 fine by the PBA on top of required community service and counseling for his monkey taunt toward TNT import Terrence Jones in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Santos, who was summoned by the PBA Commissioner’s office on Thursday, will render 100 hours of community service and undergo counseling on equality and racial discrimination as additional penalty for his racist actions Wednesday night. He escaped suspension.

Another related infraction from Santos will result in heftier fines, the PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said.

“There is no room for racial discrimination in basketball and sports in general and in the PBA in particular. The league doesn’t allow such actions and if repeated, we will impose heavier sanctions,” said Marcial in a statement in Filipino.

Marcial also extended his apologies to Jones and his family, saying “PBA is home to all and open to all without prejudice to color, race or belief.”

Earlier, Jones urged the PBA for “swift and significant” actions on Santos, who was caught dancing like a monkey at the sidelines to provoke the American reinforcement.

Santos, who initially “not sorry” for his actions in Beermen’s 99-94 win that put them ahead 3-2, has also issued an apology following the meeting with the PBA.